23:3 Don’t be greedy for his fine foods, because that food might be a trick.
23:4 Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich; be wise enough to control yourself.
23:5 Wealth can vanish in the wink of an eye. It can seem to grow wings and fly away like an eagle.
23:6 Don’t eat the food of selfish people; don’t be greedy for their fine foods.
23:7 Selfish people are always worrying about how much the food costs. They tell you, “Eat and drink,” but they don’t really mean it.
23:8 You will throw up the little you have eaten, and you will have wasted your kind words.
23:9 Don’t speak to fools; they will only ignore your wise words.
23:10 Don’t move an old stone that marks a border, and don’t take fields that belong to orphans.
23:11 God, their defender, is strong; he will take their side against you.
23:12 Remember what you are taught, and listen carefully to words of knowledge.
23:13 Don’t fail to punish children. If you spank them, they won’t die.
23:14 If you spank them, you will save them from death.
23:15 My child, if you are wise, then I will be happy.
23:16 I will be so pleased if you speak what is right.
23:17 Don’t envy sinners, but always respect the Lord.
23:18 Then you will have hope for the future, and your wishes will come true.
23:19 Listen, my child, and be wise. Keep your mind on what is right.
23:20 Don’t drink too much wine or eat too much food.
23:21 Those who drink and eat too much become poor. They sleep too much and end up wearing rags.
23:22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not forget your mother when she is old.
23:23 Learn the truth and never reject it. Get wisdom, self-control, and understanding.
23:24 The father of a good child is very happy; parents who have wise children are glad because of them.
23:25 Make your father and mother happy; give your mother a reason to be glad.
23:26 My son, pay attention to me, and watch closely what I do.
23:27 A prostitute is as dangerous as a deep pit, and an unfaithful wife is like a narrow well.
23:28 They ambush you like robbers and cause many men to be unfaithful to their wives.
23:29 Who has trouble? Who has pain? Who fights? Who complains? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
23:30 It is people who drink too much wine, who try out all different kinds of strong drinks.
23:31 Don’t stare at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.
23:32 Later it bites like a snake with poison in its fangs.
23:33 Your eyes will see strange sights, and your mind will be confused.
23:34 You will feel dizzy as if you’re in a storm on the ocean, as if you’re on top of a ship’s sails.
23:35 You will think, “They hit me, but I’m not hurt. They beat me up, but I don’t remember it. I wish I could wake up. Then I would get another drink.”
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